Wednesday, June 06, 2018

Response from Michael Butler, Candidate for St. Louis CIty Recorder of Deeds

1. What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed for this position? What experience/attribute do you have that qualify you for this position? 

Management skills: managing 38 employees to be productive every day is no small task.  I have a bachelor’s in Business Management, and corporate management experience.

Public Sector Experience: Understanding public budgeting, RFPs, and political coalition building is important in a executive office.  My experience in the legislature and Master’s in Public Affairs will help with that.


2. Why do you think you are the best person for this position? What differentiates you from your opponents? 

Will be a full-time Recorder of Deeds: I will be in the office everyday working to make it better.

My education: My education and life experiences have prepared me for this.


3. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing this office and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific) 

Online Access: In 2018, you should be able to fully access your birth certificate, death certificate, and marriage license online.

Preservation of Documents: The Recorder’s office must do a better job preserving documents.

Online Image: The office website needs serious updating.


4. Describe how you work with, or will work with, others to address your priorities.

Coalition builder: I partner with like-minded and competent organizations and individuals to accomplish tasks.


5. What services could this office offer citizens that it does not now offer?

Improved Online Access: In 2018, you should be able to get your birth certificate, death certificate, and marriage license online; without having to go to City Hall.


6. How can this office improve the economic strength of the city?

Improve Government Efficiency: By reducing cost and time for businesses that the office encounters, the Recorder can improve our economy slightly.


7. Do you believe this office can help address the issues of racial and economic inequality in the city? If yes, how?

Yes, if elected.  I would be the first African-American to hold this position.


8. Are there functions of this office that are now obsolete and can be eliminated or combined for efficiency?

Maybe, if other city office were willing to take on more work.


9. Should this office continue to be an elected office? Why or why not?

Yes, citizens want to be able to select their Recorder of Deeds.


10. How are you working/would you work to make this office a 21st Century office?

Yes, I will improve our online image, online access to vital records, and digitize our archives.


11. Should the Recorder of Deeds keep the responsibility for Vital Records in its office? Why or why not?

Yes, we have not had any major issues in that department.  I’m not sure if other city offices would fair any better.


12. If you could ask each of your opponents one question, what would it be? (You may specify a different question for each opponent or the same question for both.)

How many days did you go to work this year?


13. Who are your 3 largest campaign contributors? Are there donors from whom you will not accept campaign contributions?

    1) Bob Fox, Starsky Wilson, Claude Brown
    2) Rex Sinquefeld, NRA

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